Emily Flores
The 90s were a magical time when plastic dreams came true, and now those same toys are paying real dividends. According to eBay sales data, collectors are spending serious cash on items that once cluttered bedroom floors and drove parents crazy. Here are the surprising ’90s toys now considered valuable investments.
Beanie Babies – Peanut The Elephant (Royal Blue)
Peanut the Elephant is a small plush elephant filled with tiny plastic pellets, which is designed to sit or pose. This one became a collectible because it was accidentally produced in royal blue, and only about 3,000 exist as of now. Collectors are paying $1,000 to $5,000 for mint-condition versions with tags.
Original Polly Pocket – Compact Collection (Bluebird)
Polly Pocket dolls were tiny figures with painted faces and little outfits, living inside detailed, jewel-toned plastic playsets. Bluebird, a UK toy company, designed them under an inch, adding clever moving parts and hidden compartments. Kids were mesmerized, and now original compacts usually fetch $500+ from collectors.
My Little Pony – Dream Castle Playset (1983–1990s)
Hasbro’s Dream Castle was the ultimate fantasy fortress for My Little Pony fans, with bright pink towers and whimsical accessories like flags and thrones. It came bundled with Majesty, the unicorn, and her dragon companion, Spike. Kids spent hours creating magical adventures. Complete sets from the late ’80s and early ’90s can sell for $250–$600. Even loose sets with all parts intact command $100–$250.
Super Soaker 50 (Original Larami, New In Box)
Before 1990, water guns were pretty basic. Then, NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker 50 for Larami, a new kind of water gun that could shoot water farther than ever. Collectors prize mint boxed originals, which can sell for several hundred dollars, with some listings reaching up to $500 for rare examples.
Power Rangers – 1993 White Ranger Morpher (Boxed)
Fans of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”, the popular ’90s TV show about teenagers turning into superheroes, will recognize the 1993 White Ranger Morpher. This collectible toy replicates the Morpher used by Tommy Oliver, the White Ranger, and features functional Power Coin slots. Boxed versions typically sell for $200–$400.
McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys – Inspector Gadget (1995)
In 1995, McDonald’s released a special Inspector Gadget Happy Meal set where each toy piece formed part of a larger figure. Kids had to collect all parts to assemble the full Inspector Gadget—a clever marketing move that turned meals into missions. Complete sets, especially unopened, are now rare and sought after. A full mint-condition set can get you $300–$350.
Fisher-Price Dream Dollhouse (1990s)
The Fisher-Price Dream Dollhouse was a beloved 1990s playset, featuring multiple rooms, furniture, and charming accessories. Children spent hours creating imaginative scenarios, from family dinners to bedroom adventures. Nowadays, complete sets in great condition can fetch over $500, showing just how much collectors love this nostalgic dollhouse.
Talkboy (Complete In Box)
Do you know why this voice recorder is worth $200+ today? The answer lies in the Talkboy’s star turn in the movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”. Its voice-warping powers helped Kevin McCallister, the movie’s main character, cause chaos. What started as a movie prop became a must-have toy for kids.
Stretch Armstrong – Original 1990s Reissue
This goo-filled superhero toy could be pulled, twisted, and stretched to absurd lengths. Originally launched in the ’70s, it was reissued in the ’90s with the same squishy charm. Kids loved testing its limits, and collectors now seek intact versions that haven’t leaked or hardened. Original ’90s reissues in good condition can sell for $150–$300.
Furby – 1998 “Gizmo” From Gremlins
Meet the “1998 Gizmo Furby,” a cute, movie-inspired talking toy. Mint in box (sealed) versions go for $200–$400, complete opened sets sell for $100–$200, and rare mint boxed examples can fetch $500–$1,000 or more. These pre-programmed chatterers didn’t learn English, yet fans love them, making them a must-have for toy collectors.
Bop It – Original 1996 Version
“Bop it! Twist it! Pull it!” This was a fast-paced audio toy that challenged players to follow instructions in rhythm. Its quirky design and addictive gameplay made it a party favorite. These days, the original 1996 versions in working condition sell for $50–$150. Boxed units can go higher among nostalgic buyers.
Creepy Crawlers – Thingmaker Jr. Oven (Complete Set
If you have a complete Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker Jr. Oven set, these vintage toys now sell for $100–$200. That’s especially when all pieces are intact and well-preserved. The fun came from using heated molds to make rubbery bug toys, a concept that first thrilled kids in the 1960s and returned in the 1990s.
Barbie – Jewel Hair Mermaid (1996)
Barbie had countless transformations, but the Jewel Hair Mermaid edition stood out with its extra-long shimmering hair and glittery tail. It became a favorite among collectors for its unique styling and accessories. Mint-in-box editions can sell for $200–$600, depending on their condition and completeness.
Batman: The Animated Series – The Kenner Batmobile (Complete)
The 1992 Kenner Batmobile, based on “Batman: The Animated Series,” perfectly captures the signature design style of Bruce Timm, the animator and co-creator behind the show. Every detail, from the sleek body to the cockpit sized for Batman figures, has collectors hooked. Complete, shiny pieces sell for $250–$500+, and boxed versions fetch even more.
Sky Dancers – Deluxe Edition With Stand
Those were the days when Sky Dancers flying doll toys ruled playrooms everywhere. These spinning doll toys used string-powered stands to launch dolls into the air. Despite getting recalled in 2000 for safety reasons, the Sky Dancers flying toy sets are commanding $100–200 in the market.
The Little Mermaid – “Wedding” Ariel Doll (1993)
Ariel, the adventurous mermaid from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” had a wedding we all dreamed about, and this 1993 doll captures it perfectly. White gown, flowing veil, gorgeous red hair—everything reflects that magical finale. Still have one in mint condition? You’re sitting on $100 to $150 worth of nostalgia right there.
Troll Dolls – Glow In The Dark Edition
Troll Dolls brought wild hair and silly faces to every ’90s bedroom, and the Glow in the Dark editions made them even more playful. Kids loved showing them off on shelves or having them light up at night. Today, mint dolls with original packaging can sell for $50–$150, especially for rare hair colors.
Hot Wheels – Redline Series Collector Cars
Back then, every kid wanted Hot Wheels Redline cars—tiny metal toy cars with detailed designs and plastic wheels, perfect for racing on tracks or displaying on shelves. The signature red stripe on the wheels made them instantly recognizable. As of now, rare versions or unopened packs are collector gold, selling for $100–$500+.
Tamagotchi – Original Digital Pet (1996)
Before smartphones and smartwatches, kids carried around egg-shaped digital pets called Tamagotchis. These pocket companions required feeding, cleaning, and constant attention—or they’d “die.” The pixelated creatures lived inside a tiny screen and beeped for care at all hours. Today, original Tamagotchis in sealed packaging or rare color variants can fetch $200–$500, especially first-generation Japanese imports.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Storage Shell Leonardo (Complete)
The 1991 Leonardo Ninja Turtle plastic figure had an amazing shell that opened like a storage compartment. You could put his swords, weapons, and little accessories inside his turtle shell. This cool Storage Shell Leonardo toy figure is now worth $50-$75 if complete, maybe $55 for perfect condition ones.